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introduction

Ryan Smith leads the firm’s personal injury and medical malpractice group. He also practices in the areas of civil rights and criminal defense. An active trial attorney, he has tried many jury cases to verdict. Ryan understands that litigation is extremely stressful for his clients and to ease this stress, he strives to know his clients on a personal level. Ryan delivers empathy and understanding for client situations and sound counsel for their legal needs.

Ryan received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Miami University of Ohio, his MBA from Robert Morris University, and his J.D. from Duquesne University. While attending law school as an evening student, Ryan worked full time as a business manager for the Diocese of Pittsburgh. He was also Managing Editor of the Duquesne Law Review.

After graduating, Ryan spent seven years as a sole practitioner practicing in the areas of personal injury, criminal defense, civil rights, and professional malpractice. According to his peers in the legal community, Mr. Smith is an AV rated attorney which represents the highest level of legal skill. He is a member of the National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Allegheny County Bar Association, the Pennsylvania Association for Justice and the American Association for Justice. In 2010, Ryan Smith was the first recipient of the Allegheny County Bar Association Federal Court Section’s ACBA National Trial Advocacy College scholarship to assist members of the Young Lawyers Division. Ryan’s scholarship enabled him to attend the 29th Annual National Trial Advocacy College program held at the University of Virginia School of Law.

Lawyer.com Member Questionnaire

Please describe a case(s) in the last year or two where you made a big difference.
I settled a case for a significant amount against the Port Authority of Allegheny. My client was an 85 year old woman who was knocked unconscious due to the bus driver’s careless driving. The Port Authority fired the driver and instituted new safety procedures as a result of the lawsuit.

How did you build a successful practice?
I built a successful law practice by always working diligently for my clients. I love the David v. Goliath aspect of representing the average person against big business, the police, the prosecutors, and the government. I get a lot of referrals from former clients, and from other lawyers who respect my work.

What should clients look for in a lawyer?
Clients should look for a lawyer who is willing to spend time with them, and work hard for them. A client should never hire a lawyer who “guarantees” an outcome. There are no guarantees and the client should try to be self-aware enough to know that one who is in need of a lawyer is also, necessarily vulnerable. Don’t let a lawyer take advantage of your vulnerability in order to make a little money. Finally, a client should expect a lawyer to be willing to drive to the client, not the other way around. It’s extremely important for your lawyer to know you as well as possible. Sometimes that can only happen by meeting you in your home.

How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?
Local knowledge is extremely important to the success of many of my cases. After practicing in Western Pennsylvania for almost 18 years, I know, personally most of the judges and magistrates in the area. They respect me and I respect them. I am often able to negotiate a deal because I am aware of a certain judge’s tolerance for particular cases and his or willingness to approve an innovative solution.

What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?
I am willing to provide as much information as possible in a phone consultation. That said , the information I can accurately provide is contingent on me being able to draw out the important facts of a particular case.

What information do you need in a free phone consultation?
I need as much information as possible in a free phone consultation. I know which questions that need to be asked.

What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?
I am a different lawyer than most. I don’t concentrate on billable hours. I concentrate on what is best for my client. This is the advantage of hiring a solo practitioner. The only person I answer to is my client. Clients are simply a billable number to big firms.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The most rewarding aspect of my job is to truly make a difference in my client’s lives, hopefully make a new friend, and make the community a better and safer place for our citizens.

What are your other interests in addition to law?
I love spending time with my three children. They are each unique and wonderful. I am an avid fly fisherman. I have fly fished all over the world. My favorite place to fly fish is Montana. I enjoy running, and other forms of exercise. I am an avid reader. I have an appreciation for the arts and enjoy a good play or the symphony.

Are you involved in your community?
I am a volunteer for Project Healing Waters, which is an organization dedicated to helping disabled veterans through fly fishing. I am also the secretary of a fund that helps impaired lawyers get help with substance abuse.

Education

Admission

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Pennsylvania

2001

Associations

Member | Pennsylvania State Bar Association

Honors & Awards

In 2010, Ryan Smith was the first recipient of the Allegheny County Bar Association Federal Court Section’s ACBA National Trial Advocacy College scholarship to assist members of the Young Lawyers Division. Ryan’s scholarship enabled him to attend the 29th Annual National Trial Advocacy College program held at the University of Virginia School of Law.

Ryan Smith currently holds an AV rating with Martindale Hubbell which represents the highest level of competence as rated by a Lawyer’s peers.

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Verified Credentials

Ryan R. Smith has been a Premium Member since February 12, 2018.
Lawyers with longer memberships tend to have more experience so we use the Membership date to help prioritize lawyer listings on search pages.

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